Growth Potential of Hydroponic Maize and Horse Gram with customized Nutrient Supplements for Climate Resilient Fodder Production

Author: P. Tensingh Gnanaraj, S. Gunasekaran, C. Valli, R. Karunakaran and H. Gopi

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Abstract

Inadequate availability of green fodder is commonly noticed in livestock feeding. Land and water are the essential resources for fodder production. Limited allocation of land for fodder cultivation and climatic variability reduces green fodder production for livestock. Hydroponic fodder production is an alternative technology to increase green fodder production by vertical farming. The study established that if nutrient supplementation for hydroponic fodder production is to be done, a pH of 7.5 is ideal for nutrient solution. However, ground water without addition of any nutrients supported significantly (P<0.05) highest fresh biomass yield (kg / kg of seed) for both hydroponic fodder maize (3.89 ± 0.09) and hydroponic fodder horse gram (5.50 ± 0.14). On comparing different water sources for hydroponic fodder production, water from Chennai district supported maximum fresh biomass yield. A hydroponic fodder production unit with a capacity to produce 18.18 kg of hydroponic fodder maize and 6.73 kg of hydroponic fodder horse gram per day was designed. Hence, hydroponic fodder maize and horse gram can be produced by utilizing ground water in a fabricated unit for feeding ruminants in climate change scenario.

Keywords

Hydroponic fodder, Nutrients, Ground water, Hydroponic unit

Conclusion

The study established that if nutrient supplementation is to be done, a pH of 7.5 is ideal for nutrient solution. However, ground water without addition of any nutrients supported significantly (P<0.05) highest fresh biomass yield (kg / kg of seed) for both hydroponic fodder maize (3.89 ± 0.09) and hydroponic fodder horse gram (5.50 ± 0.14). On comparing different water sources for hydroponic fodder production, water from Chennai district, resembled water with added nutrients at 25 per cent lower than basal dose and supported maximum fresh biomass yield (3.48 ± 0.01 kg / kg of seed) compared to water sources from Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts. The fabricated hydroponic fodder production unit, shrouded with 70 per cent shade net, occupying 24 square feet, made of dismountable poly vinyl chloride (PVC) pipes with 72 fodder trays, with an automatic irrigation system. This unit can produce 18.18 kg of hydroponic fodder maize and 6.73 kg of hydroponic fodder horse gram per day for feeding ruminants.

References

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How to cite this article

P. Tensingh Gnanaraj, S. Gunasekaran, C. Valli, R. Karunakaran and H. Gopi (2023). Growth Potential of Hydroponic Maize and Horse Gram with customized Nutrient Supplements for Climate Resilient Fodder Production. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 359-364.